On a trip to Holland, we discovered a limited production Dutch chevre created by the Van Dijk family. Dorothea, named after the Van Dijk's mother, was created at the request of the famous chef Cas Spijkars. Cas wanted to win the annual Dutch award for "Most Unusual Food" and thought that a flavored goat cheese might do the trick. They began experimenting with a secret ingredient - potato skins - chosen because the potato is an important food in Dutch culinary tradition. But Cas thought that initial efforts with the cheese/potato combination fell a little flat, so they kept working. Finally, after tweaking the recipe by adding some basil oil, coriander oil, and chopped onion, Cas and the Van Dijks had completed their masterpiece - and subsequently won the award!

Each wheel of Dorothea (only 4,000 are made per year) is pampered with the optimum aging conditions. Humidity and temperature are meticulously adjusted every few days to assure proper maturation. This wonderfully delicious cheese is made from pasteurized milk, but retains all of the taste for which goat's milk is famous. It is aged over 60 days to develop a full, nutty flavor and a body that is firm, but not hard enough to grate. Dorothea has an aroma reminiscent of the fresh outdoors and an unforgettable flavor.

This cheese is my absolute all time favorite. There is nothing better tasting in the world. Not heavy or overwhelming.

By Lesliefrom Carrollton, GAon Jan 06, 2015

Just okay

The basil and potato flavors didn't really pop for me. Just tasted like good gouda cheese.

By Bob Schneiderfrom Belle Vernon, PAon Jan 06, 2015

Too subtle for its own good

I selected 16 different cheeses in my first order from iGourmet, and Dorothea was one of the very few that disappointed me. It's not that I found anything objectionable about the cheese. But after reading the description about how famous chef Caz Spijkars requested a unique goat cheese that would win the Dutch award for "Most Unusual Food," and how Van Dijk rose to the challenge and tinkered with various novel ingredients until he got just the right combination, I guess my expectations were a little too high. Dorothea is such a mellow, subtle cheese I can't help feeling a bit underwhelmed. I can see tiny bits of either the potato skin or onion in the body of the cheese, but really couldn't taste either. Likewise, the basil and coriander oils barely manage to assert themselves at all. Curiously, even the typically sour / tart taste of the goat cheese is largely absent. It's as if all those diverse ingredients end up canceling one another out, leaving a cheese with a conspicuous minimum of character.
I must admit after trying the cheese again on repeated tastings, I eventually developed some level of appreciation for Dorothea. It does have a nice firm body and a decent mellow taste once you know what to expect (and not to expect). If you enjoy extremely mellow, simple tasting cheeses, you may find it worth trying. Still, I can't say I'd recommend Dorothea for cheese boards, where I fear it would tend to get lost among more ditinctive flavors.

By sonjafrom Cornville, AZon Jan 05, 2015

MMMMMM-mmmmmmm!

Delicious! I love cheese and this cheese was everything I expected from the description. If you have a fondness for goat cheese, an order now!

By Susannadannafrom Tonopah, AZon Dec 25, 2014

Everyone Loves It!

Bought Dorothea on the bases of excellent reviews and outstanding price. Will definitely order this one again and again. It made a huge hit, with me and everyone I gave it to for Christmas.

By KYOTAfrom Cornville, AZon Dec 21, 2014

Dorothea Cheese from Holland

Just one taste and it is creamy and amazing. It is a great cheese that I will purchase again and again.

By Rolandfrom Pittsfield MAon Oct 13, 2014

cheese for the cheese lover

Yum yum great smooth flavor the taste is outstanding the best ever. Gotta order more The service and delivery also on the spot. Good job

By Walter S. Trezevantfrom Fort Washington, MDon Aug 31, 2014

Exceptional product; exceptional service

This is really the best cheese I have ever experienced. And it is made even more special with such considerate concern by the sellers.

By K.T.from Midland, MIon Jul 19, 2014

Unusual Flavor

Now this is something I can't get in any supermarket. I liked the taste of potato.